Axel Rudakubana, an 18 year old from Banks in West Lancashire, has admitted to one of the most shocking crimes in Merseyside's history. The teenager pleaded guilty to the murders of Bebe King, Elsie Dot Stancombe and Alice Da Silva Aguiar during a horrific stabbing incident in Southport.
Rudakubana changed his pleas to guilty on Monday, the day he was due to stand trial at Liverpool Crown Court. The three young victims, aged six, seven and nine respectively, were tragically killed during a Taylor Swift-themed dance class at the Hart Space in the seaside town.
This incident marks one of the most distressing tragedies the UK has ever witnessed. Young children, who were simply enjoying their summer holidays, were brutally murdered, severely injured or left deeply traumatised by the horrifying violence that unfolded before them.
In addition to the murders, Rudakubana was also charged with the attempted murder of eight other children, who cannot be named for legal reasons, and two adults, Leanne Lucas and John Hayes. These individuals were also stabbed during the incident but thankfully survived the attack.
The teenager faced another charge of possession of a bladed article in a public place, specifically a kitchen knife with a curved blade, reports the Liverpool Echo.
Axel Rudakubana, an individual charged with the production of a biological toxin, namely ricin, and possession of information likely to assist terrorism, appeared in court clad in a grey prison tracksuit and a blue medical face mask. Rudakubana declined to stand or state his name while flanked by four dock officers and accompanied by an intermediary.
However, his counsel Stanley Reiz, KC, requested that the indictment be read again, leading to Rudakubana, still seated, pleading guilty to all charges. He is set to be sentenced at the same court on Thursday this week.
High Court judge Mr Justice Goose addressed him directly, saying: "Axel Rudakubana, you can hear me I know. You have now pleaded guilty to this indictment, to each of the charges upon it."
"The next stage is for sentence. That will take place on Thursday. In the meantime, you must keep in touch with your barristers, solicitors and the intermediary in order for you to receive any advice or assistance."
"You will understand that it is inevitable that a life sentence will be imposed upon you. In the meantime, you will go with the officers and be produced at that hearing at 11 o'clock on Thursday. Take him down."
Merseyside Police Chief Constable Serena Kennedy addressed reporters, revealing that additional charges are connected to the findings at the suspect's residence on Old School Close after the devastating events. Despite this development, Counter Terrorism Policing have not classified the extensive stabbing episode as an act of terrorism.
In reference to the current situation, Chief Constable Kennedy remarked: "The matter of which Axel Rudakubana has been charged under the Terrorism Act does not require motive to be established. For a matter to be declared as a terrorist incident, motivation would need to be established."
